Jack Wilshere says that Liverpool are as much Champions League contenders as Arsenal this season, with the midfielder name-checking the club as a big threat come the end of the campaign.

Wilshere has just returned to the line-up for the Gunners after spending 18 months on the sidelines, and the 20 year old is hoping to finally bring an end to the side's trophyless run with his return.

Arsenal are currently sixth on the table, and Arsene Wenger has been very clear about the fact that the club's ambitions to challenge for the Champions League are as important as winning silverwear.

And Wilshere believes that in order to achieve that goal, the club need to get past both Liverpool and Tottenham as well as surprise success West Brom.

"The league is getting better and better every year," he said, Talksport reports. "There are new players coming from different countries and the intensity of the league is getting much more quicker.

Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere says he is concerned about Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and West Brom this season.

"We know we have got Everton a couple of weeks away and some night game which is going to be and going to be difficult.

"West Brom, Everton, Tottenham and Liverpool - who have got a great squad now - are going to be difficult, but we have got to keep getting the three points and really push on."

Liverpool are currently 11th on the table, but with a good run of fixtures ahead the club are looking at the possibility of challenging for a top four place by the turn of the year.

The Reds are only eight points behind fourth-placed West Brom, and if they can take maximum points from their upcoming games against Swansea, Tottenham and Southampton they will indeed have a chance of pushing Arsenal for the coveted position.